Podcast Summary: Simply Put - "Adiaphora"

Host: Barry Cooper (Ligonier Ministries)
Episode Date: October 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Simply Put explores the theological concept of adiaphora, a term used to describe matters in the Christian life that are neither expressly commanded nor forbidden in Scripture. Barry Cooper breaks down what adiaphora means, why it's important, and how it practically applies to Christian living, especially when navigating differences of opinion and personal conscience.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition of Adiaphora

• Meaning:
  • "Adiaphora is the plural of the Greek word adiaphoron, which refers to a thing that exists outside of moral categories, something that in and of itself is neither approved nor condemned." (00:27)
  • It translates as "indifferent things" – matters not directly addressed by Scripture.
• Everyday Examples:
  • Carpet color, podcast app preference, or drink choice (Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew).
    • "There would be nothing wrong in making particular choices in these areas. There's freedom to do as you please." (00:40)

2. Biblical Freedom and Spiritual Neutrality

• Drinking Mountain Dew or choosing a podcast:
  • "In that sense, drinking Mountain Dew is spiritually neutral, even though it may be dietarily questionable." (00:56)
• Application of God’s Law:
  • Christians are commanded to love others, but how this is applied can fall into adiaphora:
    • "You have freedom to love others in whichever ways will bring glory to God, and God will be glorified by whichever way you choose to love others, as long as it doesn't conflict with God's moral law." (01:21)

3. Unity, Liberty, and Conscience

• Respecting Conscience and Unity
  • "We shouldn't try to bind the consciences of other believers on matters to do with adiaphora, where God himself has permitted freedom." (01:37)
  • Example: Alcohol – if a believer’s conscience prohibits it, others shouldn’t pressure them, but teetotalers shouldn’t condemn those who enjoy a drink. (01:45)
  • The same applies to vegetarianism and religious festivals.
• Scriptural Support:
  • Quoting Paul in Romans 14:
    • "'Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.'" (02:04)

4. The Principle of Love and Building Up

• Consideration for Others:
  • "If you happen to know that your Christian brother is convinced that eating meat is wrong... you should exercise love for that brother by not doing so." (02:23)
  • The aim is, as Paul says, "to pursue peace and mutual upbuilding." (02:32)
• Avoiding Division:
  • Recognizing matters of adiaphora helps "avoid quarreling or giving offence over mere opinions, squabbling about matters which ultimately we don't have to agree on because they're not necessary for salvation." (02:38)

5. Debates Over What Counts as Adiaphora

• Disagreements Exist:
  • "Of course, there is occasionally a debate about whether a particular thing is adiaphora or not. Some... might argue that the use of an electric guitar in a church service falls into the category... but others would disagree." (02:55)

6. The Deeper Spiritual Reality

• Nothing is Entirely Spiritually Neutral
  • "In one sense, nothing we do is spiritually neutral, because everything we do can be and ought to be done to the glory of God." (03:09)
  • 1 Corinthians 10:
    • "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (03:15)
• Heart Attitude is Primary:
  • "All these things in practice are either honoring to God or dishonoring to him, depending on whether or not we do them to the glory of God. The attitude of our hearts is what matters, and this shouldn't surprise us." (03:33)

7. Religious Actions and Hypocrisy

• Outwardly Good Acts Can Be Wrong:
  • "Even actions which would usually be considered morally good can become morally bad when they're done in a certain way. Think, for example, of Isaiah chapter 1, where God condemns people who are doing very religious things because they're doing them hypocritically." (03:52)

8. Balance: Unity in Essentials, Liberty in Non-Essentials, Charity in All

• Barry’s Take-Home Message:
  • "So as believers, we should be united in our desire to obey God's laws, and we should feel free to exercise freedom in matters not necessary to salvation. But as we exercise that freedom, we should be mindful of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In necessary things, unity. In doubtful things, liberty. In all things, charity." (04:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Try as we might to argue that there really ought to be specific Levitical laws against the consumption of Mountain Dew. No such laws actually exist in Scripture..." (00:51) [humorous, relatable moment]
• "We shouldn't try to bind the consciences of other believers on matters to do with adiaphora, where God himself has permitted freedom." (01:37)
• "All these things in practice are either honoring to God or dishonoring to him, depending on whether or not we do them to the glory of God. The attitude of our hearts is what matters..." (03:33)
• "In necessary things, unity. In doubtful things, liberty. In all things, charity." (04:11) [classic summary of the episode's heart]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00-00:30 | Introduction & Definition of Adiaphora
• 00:31-01:35 | Everyday Examples & Spiritual Neutrality
• 01:36-02:38 | Conscience, Liberty, and Unity in the Church
• 02:39-03:08 | Application to Modern Church Debates
• 03:09-03:44 | The Deeper Spiritual Principle (Do All to the Glory of God)
• 03:45-04:07 | Religious Actions, Hypocrisy, and True Worship
• 04:08-04:20 | Closing Summary: Unity, Liberty, and Charity

Conclusion

Barry Cooper’s concise yet insightful explanation of adiaphora unpacks how Christians can enjoy liberty in non-essential matters—ranging from lifestyle choices to worship forms—as long as these do not violate God’s clear commands. The true focus is not on the outward action, but on honoring God in all things, with humility, charity, and consideration for others’ consciences.

For more episodes or to suggest a theological word to explain, listeners can contact Barry at SimplyPut@ligonier.org.